How steep is the homestretch on Longs Peak?

45 degree
Over the next 45 minutes, you walk upright, then on threes and finally on all fours to the 45 degree smooth granite slab called the Homestretch. If it has rained, this can be slick as ice. But again with careful concentration, you are soon at the summit edge.

How Long is the Longs Peak hike?

How long will it take to get to the summit of Longs Peak and back? Ultra-runners routinely make the 15-mile roundtrip in about six hours, and an acclimatized hiker who doesn’t dawdle can eke out 12 hours. Most mortals should plan on about 16 hours, though.

How hard of a hike is Longs Peak?

Done as a single day outing, the standard Keyhole route on Longs entails 15+ miles of hiking, 5,000 ft. of elevation gain, exposed scrambling with fall-risk potential, and difficult terrain above treeline, where storms roar in with regularity.

What to pack for Longs Peak?

Hiking Gear for Longs Peak

• Gloves.
• Helmet.
• Water.
• Layers with good insulation, windproof (synthetic or wool) (midlayer and a puffy jacket)
• Rain jacket.
• Sun protection: sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• High-energy food and snacks.
• Sturdy footwear and extra socks.

How long is the Knife Edge on Capitol Peak?

150-foot
Knife edge (pictured right) is famous for its 150-foot length, with 2,000 foot drops on both sides. Daredevils will walk across it in a timely manner, but other hikers may scooch across it like straddling a horse. It is regarded as the crux of the route due to the exposure.

How scary is Longs Peak?

Between 1915 and 2017, it’s been determined that 374 visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park have died while they’re there. Of those 374 deaths, 67 have been associated with Longs Peak, 70% of which were the result of a fall, with other reasons including hypothermia, cardiac events, lightning, and exhaustion.

Is Capitol Peak really that hard?

Capitol Peak is known by many as the most difficult 14er in Colorado. Some may dispute that fact, but for sure Capitol Peak is one of the most difficult of the Colorado 14ers. While all routes are fairly challenging, the standard route does go at Class 4 and the standard route is not desperate.

How many people have died climbing Longs Peak in Colorado?

71 deaths
To hike to the summit takes, on average, anywhere from 10 to 15 hours (or more, depending on all sorts of factors). From 1915 to 2021, there were a total of 71 deaths on Longs Peak, and it’s considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the state.

Can dogs climb 14ers?

Work up to it A dog’s age or size aren’t necessarily indicators of a dog’s ability to go hiking — Chloe has done two fourteeners, peaks of 14,000 feet or taller. “She loves running up the trail and keeps up with everything just fine,” Sherwood said.

How much water should you drink on a 14er?

Bring plenty of water but not too much. At 2 pounds per liter, water is the heaviest thing in your pack. Every individual has different needs, but as a rule of thumb, I bring 1 liter for every 2 hours of hiking. It will probably take you 3-4 hours to hike your first peak so bring 2-3 liters.